Compression collars for coupling a tube to a tube fitting and methods of use

ABSTRACT

A method for coupling a tube to a tube fitting includes radially outwardly expanding a tubular compression collar from a constricted state to an expanded state, the compression collar having a throughway extending there through and being made of a resiliently flexible material. An end of the tube is inserted within the throughway of the expanded compression collar, the tube bounding a passageway. A tube fitting is inserted within the passageway of the tube. The compression collar is allowed to resiliently rebound back towards the constricted state so that the compression collar pushes the tube against the tube fitting.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/442,889, filed Jan. 5, 2017, which is incorporated herein by specificreference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. The Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to compression collars used for securingtubes to tube fittings and methods of use.

2. The Relevant Technology

Within the biopharmaceutical industry there exists many applicationswhere various fluids are stored, mixed, processed, and transported toand from biological processing containers. Such fluids can be veryexpensive and it is typically critical that they be maintained in asterile environment. To help maintain sterility and to eliminate theneed for cleaning, most fluids are processed and stored in sterilepolymeric bags. To facilitate transfer of fluid between different bags,polymeric tubing is connected to barbed ports secured to the bags.

One weakness with the traditional friction fit connection between thetubing and the barbed port is that when the fluid system is pressurized,the applied pressure can cause the tubing to separate or lift off of theface of the barb on the port. This separation can cause potential leaksand contamination of the fluid. Another problem exists when customershandle the fluid system and manipulate the barbed port connection. Suchhandling can again cause the sealed connection between the barbed portand the tubing to be broken, thereby risking contamination of the fluid.

To assist in eliminating the above problems, the biopharmaceuticalindustry has adopted the use of cable ties, also known as zip ties,which are manually secured around the tubing over each barbed port. Thecable ties provide a compressive force on the tubing that produces asealed engagement between the tubing and the port, even when the systemis handled or pressurized. For example, a common cable tie is normallymade of nylon and includes a locking head having an opening extendingtherethrough and an elongated, flexible tape section that projects fromthe locking head. Teeth are formed on the tape section. A pawl projectsinto the opening of the locking head and is configured to engage theteeth to form a ratchet. During use, the free end of the tape section ispassed around a tube and pulled through the opening of the locking headto form a continuous loop. As the tape section is pulled further throughthe opening, the continuous loop constricts to produce a compressiveforce on the tube that the cable tie encircles. Concurrently, the pawlengages with the teeth so that the tape section can be freely pulledinto the opening of the locking head but is prevented from being pulledout of the opening of the locking head, thereby holding the cable tie inthe constricted state.

Although cable ties have been largely found to be effective, such usehas its shortcomings. For example, once a cable tie is secured in place,the unused free end of the tape section is typically cut off. As aresult of the cut, however, the remaining tape section now has sharpcorners that can potentially puncture or otherwise damage the polymericbags of the fluid system, especially when the polymeric bags are foldedover the cable ties for transport or storage. Although bubble wrap orother packing can be placed over each cable tie, such a process is timeconsuming, labor intensive and subject to error or failure.

Furthermore, a cable tie does not provide a uniform compressive forcearound the tube to which it is secured. Rather, as a result of thegeometry of the cable tie, there is a location at the intersection ofwhere the tape section feeds into the locking head where a gap or atleast decreased compressive force is typically formed between the cabletie and tubing. As a result, there is an area of weakness between thetube and barbed port that has a higher probability of leaking andpermitting contamination of the fluid. Cable ties are also problematicin that they can be difficult to attach and difficult to control theamount of compressive force they apply. In part, this is because cableties are narrow and thus only cover a small portion of the port. Inaddition, cable ties are tightened by a hand tool that can result invariance in tension between different cable ties. Furthermore, after acable tie is tensioned, it will naturally relax over time, therebydecreasing compression on the port. Other problems also exist with usingconventional cable ties.

Accordingly, what is needed in the art are improved systems for couplingtubes to ports that eliminate all or some of the above problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first independent aspect of the present invention, a method forcoupling a tube to a tube fitting includes:

-   -   radially outwardly expanding a tubular compression collar from a        constricted state to an expanded state, the compression collar        having a throughway extending there through and being comprised        of a resiliently flexible material;    -   inserting an end of a tube within the throughway of the expanded        compression collar, the tube bounding a passageway;    -   inserting a tube fitting within the passageway of the tube        either before or after inserting the end of the tube within the        throughway of the expanded compression collar; and    -   allowing the tubular compression collar to resiliently rebound        back towards the constricted state so that the compression        collar pushes the tube against the tube fitting.

In one example, the step of radially outwardly expanding the tubularcompression collar includes:

-   -   inserting the prongs of an expander into the throughway of the        tubular compression collar while in the constricted state; and    -   radially outwardly moving the prongs so as to expand the        compression collar to the expanded state.

In another example, the step of radially outwardly expanding the tubularcompression collar includes:

-   -   inserting a bladder within the throughway of the tubular        compression collar while in the constricted state;    -   expanding the bladder so as to expand the compression collar to        the expanded state.

In another example, the step of radially outwardly expanding the tubularcompression collar comprises advancing a rotating mandrel within thethroughway of the tubular compression collar so that the mandrel expandsthe compression collar to the expanded state.

In another example, the mandrel comprises a tapered body and a pluralityof rollers rotatably disposed thereon.

In another example, the step of radially outwardly expanding the tubularcompression collar comprises rotating the tubular compression collar ata sufficiently high speed to cause the compression collar to expand fromthe constricted state to the expanded state.

In another example, the tubular compression collar comprises a tubularbody having the throughway extending therethrough and a first stop lipradially inwardly projecting from the tubular body, the step ofinserting the end of the tube within the throughway of the expandedcompression collar comprising inserting the end of the tube into thethroughway until the tube abuts the first stop lip.

In another example, the tubular compression collar comprises a tubularbody having an interior surface and an opposing exterior surface thatextend between a first end and an opposing second end, the interiorsurface bounding the throughway extending through the tubular body, afirst window extends laterally through the tubular body between theinterior surface and the exterior surface, the tube being visiblethrough the window when the end of the tube is within the throughway ofthe expanded compression collar.

In another example, the step of inserting the tube fitting within thepassageway of the tube comprises inserting a tubular port of the tubefitting into the passageway of the tube.

In another example, the step of inserting the tube fitting within thepassageway of the tube comprises inserting an annular barb of the tubefitting within the passageway of the tube.

In another example, the compression collar is radially outwardlyexpanded without concurrently radially outwardly expanding the tube.

In another example, it takes at least 30 minutes for the compressioncollar to rebound so as to lose 90% of its expansion from theconstricted state to the expanded state.

In another example, the throughway has a diameter, the diameter beingexpanded by at least 150% relative to the original constricted state asthe compression collar is moved from the constricted state to theexpanded state.

In another example, the tube fitting is inserted within the passagewayof the tube while at least a portion of the tube is disposed within thethroughway of the compression collar.

In another example, the tube fitting is inserted within the passagewayof a portion of the tube while the portion of the tube is disposedoutside of the throughway of the expanded compression collar.

In another example, gamma radiation is applied to the tubularcompression collar while or after the tubular compression collarresiliently rebounds back towards the constricted state.

In another example, the tubular compression collar is comprised ofhigh-density polyethylene (HDPE) and the step of applying the gammaradiation increases the stiffness of the compression collar.

In another example, the compression collar comprises a tubular bodyhaving the throughway extending between a first end and an opposingsecond end, a spacer tab outwardly projects from the first end of thetubular body, the method further comprising positioning the tube fittingso that a flange of the tube fitting butts against a terminal end of thespacer tab.

In another example, the compression collar comprises a tubular bodyhaving an interior surface that at least partially bounds thethroughway, one or more compression ribs radially inwardly project fromthe interior surface of the body, the one or more compression ribs pressagainst the tube when the compression collar rebounds back towards theconstricted state.

In a further independent aspect of the present invention, a method forcoupling a tube includes:

-   -   radially outwardly expanding a tubular compression collar from a        constricted state to an expanded state, the compression collar        having a throughway extending there through and being comprised        of a resiliently flexible material;    -   allowing the tubular compression collar to resiliently rebound        so that the tubular compression collar constricts to compress a        tube against a tube fitting that are at least partially disposed        within the throughway of the tubular compression collar; and    -   applying radiation to the compression collar while or after the        compression collar resiliently rebounds.

In one example, the tubular compression collar is comprised of across-linked polyethylene.

In another example, the radiation comprises gamma radiation.

In another example, the gamma radiation increasing the stiffness of thecompression collar.

In a further independent aspect of the present invention, a tubularcompression collar used for coupling a tube to a tube fitting includes:

-   -   a tubular body comprised of a resiliently flexible material and        having an interior surface and an opposing exterior surface that        extend between a first end and an opposing second end, the        interior surface bounding a throughway extending through the        tubular body; and    -   a first window extending laterally through the tubular body        between the interior surface and the exterior surface.

In one example, the tubular body is comprised of a cross-linkedpolyethylene.

In another example, the first end of the tubular body terminates at aterminal end face, the first window extending through a portion of theterminal end face.

In another example, wherein the first window has an arched shapedconfiguration.

In another example, the first window is completely encircled by thetubular body.

In another example, a second window extends laterally through thetubular body between the interior surface and the exterior surface, thesecond window being spaced apart from the first window.

In another example, the second window is disposed on a side of thetubular body that is opposite the first window.

In another example, the second window is spaced apart from the firstwindow along a length of the tubular body.

In another example, one or more spacer tabs outwardly projecting fromthe first end of the tubular body.

In another example, the first end of the tubular body terminates at aterminal end face, the one or more spacer tabs outwardly project fromthe terminal end face so as to extend parallel to a longitudinal axis ofthe tubular body.

In another example, a first stop lip radially inwardly projecting fromthe tubular body at the first end.

In another example, the first end of the tubular body terminates at aterminal end face, the first stop lip radially inwardly projecting fromthe terminal end face.

In another example, the first stop lip radially inwardly projects fromthe interior surface of the compression collar.

In another example, a second stop lip radially inwardly projecting fromthe tubular body at the first end, the second stop lip being radiallyspaced apart from the first stop lip.

In another example, the throughway of the tubular body has a lengthextending between the first end and the opposing second end, at least amajority of the length of the throughway having a constant diameter.

In another example, one or more compression ribs radially inwardlyproject from the interior surface of the tubular body.

In another example, one or more annular retention ribs radiallyoutwardly project from the exterior surface of the tubular body.

In another example, a hump is formed on and radially outwardly projectsfrom the exterior surface of the tubular body.

In a further independent aspect of the present invention, a couplingassembly includes:

-   -   the tubular compression collar,    -   an end of a tube disposed within the throughway of the        compression collar, the tube bounding a passageway; and    -   a tube fitting disposed within the passageway of the tube, the        compression collar radially inwardly compressing the tube        against the tube fitting so that a liquid tight seal is formed        between the tube and the tube fitting.

In one example, the tube is visible through the first window.

In another example, the tube fitting comprises a tubular stem having anannular barb formed thereon.

In another example, a first stop lip radially inwardly projecting fromthe tubular body at the first end thereof, a terminal end of the tubebeing disposed against the first stop lip.

In another example, a first spacer tab outwardly projecting from thefirst end of the tubular body, an end of the first spacer tab, such as aterminal end, butts against a flange of the tube fitting.

In another example, the spacer tab projects so as to extend parallel toa longitudinal axis of the tubular body.

In a further independent aspect of the present invention, a tubularcompression collar used for coupling a tube to a tube fitting includes:

-   -   a tubular body comprised of a resiliently flexible material and        having an interior surface and an opposing exterior surface that        extend between a first end and an opposing second end, the        interior surface bounding a throughway extending through the        tubular body; and    -   a first compression rib radially inwardly projecting from the        interior surface of the tubular body.

In one example, the first compression rib is annular and encircles thethroughway.

In another example, the first compression rib does not encircle thethroughway.

In another example, a second compression rib radially inwardly projectsfrom the interior surface of the tubular body, the second compressionrib being spaced apart from the first compression rib.

In another example, the second compression rib is disposed at the samelocation along the length of the tubular body but is radially spacedapart from the first compression rib.

In another example, the second compression rib is spaced apart from thefirst compression rib along the length of the tubular body.

In another example, a first stop lip radially inwardly projects from thetubular body at the first end.

In another example, one or more spacer tabs outwardly projecting fromthe first end of the tubular body.

In another example, the first end of the tubular body terminates at aterminal end face, the one or more spacer tabs outwardly projecting fromthe terminal end face so as to extend parallel to a longitudinal axis ofthe tubular body.

In another example, the tubular body is comprised of a cross-linkedpolyethylene.

In another example, one or more annular retention ribs radiallyoutwardly project from the exterior surface of the tubular body.

In a further independent aspect of the present invention, a couplingassembly includes:

-   -   the tubular compression collar;    -   an end of a tube disposed within the throughway of the        compression collar, the tube bounding a passageway;    -   a tube fitting disposed within the passageway of the tube, the        compression collar radially inwardly compressing the tube        against the tube fitting so that a liquid tight seal is formed        between the tube and the tube fitting, the first compression rib        pressing against the tube.

In one example, the tube fitting comprises a tubular stem having anannular barb outwardly projecting therefrom.

In a further independent aspect of the present invention, a tubularcompression collar used for coupling a tube to a tube fitting includes:

-   -   a tubular body comprised of a resiliently flexible material and        having an interior surface and an opposing exterior surface that        extend between a first end and an opposing second end, the        interior surface bounding a throughway extending through the        tubular body; and    -   a first spacer tab outwardly projecting from the first end of        the tubular body.

In one example, the first spacer tab projects longitudinally away fromthe tubular body.

In another example, the first spacer tab projects parallel tolongitudinal axis of the tubular body.

In another example, a second spacer tab outwardly projects from thefirst end of the tubular body and is spaced apart from the first spacertab.

In another example, the first end of the tubular body terminates at aterminal end face, the first spacer tab outwardly projects from theterminal end face so as to extend parallel to a longitudinal axis of thetubular body.

In another example, the compression collar includes at least one of:

-   -   a hump disposed on and outwardly projecting from the exterior        surface of the tubular body;    -   a window extending through the tubular body; and    -   an annular retention rib radially outwardly projecting from the        exterior surface of the tubular body.

In a further independent aspect of the present invention, a couplingassembly includes:

-   -   the tubular compression collar;    -   an end of a tube disposed within the throughway of the        compression collar, the tube bounding a passageway;    -   a tube fitting having an outwardly projecting flange and an end        disposed within the passageway of the tube, the compression        collar radially inwardly compressing the tube against the tube        fitting so that a liquid tight seal is formed between the tube        and the tube fitting.

In one example, a terminal end of the first spacer tab is butted againstthe flange of the tube fitting.

Each of the above independent aspects of the invention may furtherinclude any of the features, options and possibilities set out elsewherein this document, including those associated with each of the otheraspects.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of the present invention will now be discussed withreference to the appended drawings. It is appreciated that thesedrawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and aretherefore not to be considered limiting of its scope.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a compression collar;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the compression collar shown inFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an elevated side view of the compression collar shown in FIG.1;

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional side view of the compression collar shown inFIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an exploded view showing the compression collar of FIG. 1, atube, and a tube fitting;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a tubefitting coupled to a container;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an expander;

FIG. 8A is an enlarged perspective view of the expansion mechanism ofthe expander shown in FIG. 7 with the expansion mechanism in collapsedposition;

FIG. 8B is a perspective view of the expansion mechanism shown in FIG.8A in an expanded position;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the expansion mechanism of FIG. 8A withthe compression collar of FIG. 1 disposed thereon;

FIG. 10A is a rear perspective view of the tube of FIG. 5 receivedwithin the expanded compression collar;

FIG. 10B is a front perspective view of the assembly shown in FIG. 10A;

FIG. 11 is elevated side view of the assembled tube fitting, tube, andcompression collar shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 12 is a cross sectional side view of the assembly shown in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of an alternative embodiment of acompression collar;

FIG. 14 is a rear perspective view of the alternative compression collarshown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a cross sectional side view of the alternative compressioncollar shown in FIG. 13 coupled with the tube and the tube fitting;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of acompression collar having a tubular body with a single spacer taboutwardly projecting therefrom;

FIG. 17A is a perspective view of the compression collar shown in FIG.16 in an expanded state and being coupled with a tube and tube fitting;

FIG. 17B is an elevated side view of the compression collar of FIG. 17Ain a constricted state coupling the tube with the tube fitting;

FIG. 18 is an alternative embodiment of the compression collar shown inFIG. 16 have two spacer tabs projecting from the tubular body;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of thecompression collar shown in FIG. 18 having three spacer tabs projectingfrom the tubular body;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of thecompression collar shown in FIG. 16 where the compression collar furtherincludes a single annular compression rib radially inwardly projectingfrom the tubular body;

FIG. 21 is a bottom perspective view of the compression collar shown inFIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of thecompression collar shown in FIG. 20 having a second annular compressionrib radially inwardly projecting from the tubular body;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of thecompression collar shown in FIG. 22 having six annular compression ribsradially inwardly projecting from the interior surface of the tubularbody;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of thecompression collar shown in FIG. 16 where the compression collar furtherincludes a plurality of radially spaced apart compression ribs radiallyinwardly projecting from the interior surface of the body;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of thecompression collar shown in FIG. 24 including a second set of radiallyspaced apart compression ribs that are disposed at a second distancealong the length of the tubular body;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of thecompression collar shown in FIG. 16 comprising a plurality of spacedapart compression ribs disposed over the entire interior surface of thetubular body;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of thecompression collar shown in FIG. 16 where the compression collar furtherincludes a retention rib radially outwardly projecting from the exteriorsurface of the tubular body;

FIG. 28 is a bottom perspective view of the compression collar shown inFIG. 27;

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of thecompression collar shown in FIG. 27 that further includes a secondretention rib outwardly projecting from the first end of the tubularbody;

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of thecompression collar shown in FIG. 29 wherein the second retention rib isdisposed at a second end of the tubular body;

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of thecompression collar shown in FIG. 16 which includes gripping formed onthe exterior surface of the tubular body;

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of acompression collar having a single window extending through the tubularbody;

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of thecompression collar shown in FIG. 32 where the compression collar hasthree radially spaced apart windows extending through the tubular body;

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of thecompression collar shown in FIG. 32 where the compression collar asecond window extending through the tubular body that is longitudinallyspaced apart from the first window;

FIG. 35 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of thecompression collar shown in FIG. 34 where the compression collar has twopairs of windows that are spaced apart along the longitudinally lengthof the tubular body;

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of the compression collar shown in FIG. 35where the compression collar has three sets of windows that are spacedapart radially and along the length of the tubular body;

FIG. 37 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of acompression collar having a hump formed on the exterior surface of thetubular body;

FIG. 38 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of acompression collar that includes a spacer tab, radially spaced apartcompression ribs, and a annular retention rib;

FIG. 39 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of anexpander in the form of a mandrel;

FIG. 40 is an elevated front view of the expander shown in FIG. 39;

FIG. 41 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of theexpander shown in FIG. 39 wherein the rollers are aligned with thelongitudinal axis of the expander;

FIG. 42 is an elevated side view of an alternative expander having abladder in an unexpanded state;

FIG. 43 is a cross sectional side view of the expander shown in FIG. 42taken along lines 43-43; and

FIG. 44 is an elevated side view of the expander shown in FIG. 42 withthe bladder in an expanded state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Before describing various embodiments of the present disclosure indetail, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited tothe parameters of the particularly exemplified systems, methods, and/orproducts, which may, of course, vary. Thus, while certain embodiments ofthe present disclosure will be described in detail, with reference tospecific configurations, parameters, features (e.g., components,members, elements, parts, and/or portions), etc., the descriptions areillustrative and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of theclaimed invention. In addition, the terminology used herein is fordescribing the embodiments, and is not necessarily intended to limit thescope of the claimed invention.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art to which the present disclosure pertains.

Various aspects of the present disclosure, including systems, processes,and/or products may be illustrated with reference to one or moreembodiments or implementations, which are exemplary in nature. As usedherein, the terms “embodiment” and “implementation” mean “serving as anexample, instance, or illustration,” and should not necessarily beconstrued as preferred or advantageous over other aspects disclosedherein.

As used throughout this application the words “can” and “may” are usedin a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), ratherthan the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Additionally, the terms“including,” “having,” “involving,” “containing,” “characterized by,” aswell as variants thereof (e.g., “includes,” “has,” and “involves,”“contains,” etc.), and similar terms as used herein, including theclaims, shall be inclusive and/or open-ended, shall have the samemeaning as the word “comprising” and variants thereof (e.g., “comprise”and “comprises”), and do not exclude additional, un-recited elements ormethod steps, illustratively.

It will be noted that, as used in this specification and the appendedclaims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referentsunless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example,reference to a “stop lip” includes one, two, or more stop lips.

As used herein, directional terms, such as “top,” “bottom,” “left,”“right,” “up,” “down,” “upper,” “lower,” “proximal,” “distal” and thelike are used herein solely to indicate relative directions and are nototherwise intended to limit the scope of the disclosure and/or claimedinvention.

Various aspects of the present disclosure can be illustrated bydescribing components that are bound, coupled, attached, connected,and/or joined together. As used herein, the terms “bound,” “coupled”,“attached”, “connected,” and/or “joined” are used to indicate either adirect association between two components or, where appropriate, anindirect association with one another through intervening orintermediate components. In contrast, when a component is referred to asbeing “directly bound,” “directly coupled”, “directly attached”,“directly connected,” and/or “directly joined” to another component, nointervening elements are present or contemplated. Furthermore, binding,coupling, attaching, connecting, and/or joining can comprise mechanicaland/or chemical association.

To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals (i.e., likenumbering of components and/or elements) have been used, where possible,to designate like elements common to the figures. Specifically, in theexemplary embodiments illustrated in the figures, like structures, orstructures with like functions, will be provided with similar referencedesignations, where possible. Specific language will be used herein todescribe the exemplary embodiments. Nevertheless, it will be understoodthat no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended.Rather, it is to be understood that the language used to describe theexemplary embodiments is illustrative only and is not to be construed aslimiting the scope of the disclosure (unless such language is expresslydescribed herein as essential). Furthermore, multiple instances of anelement and or sub-elements of a parent element may each includeseparate letters appended to the element number. Furthermore, an elementlabel with an appended letter can be used to designate an alternativedesign, structure, function, implementation, and/or embodiment of anelement or feature without an appended letter. Likewise, an elementlabel with an appended letter can be used to indicate a sub-element of aparent element. However, element labels including an appended letter arenot meant to be limited to the specific and/or particular embodiment(s)in which they are illustrated. In other words, reference to a specificfeature in relation to one embodiment should not be construed as beinglimited to applications only within said embodiment.

It will also be appreciated that where multiple possibilities of valuesor a range a values (e.g., less than, greater than, at least, or up to acertain value, or between two recited values) is disclosed or recited,any specific value or range of values falling within the disclosed rangeof values is likewise disclosed and contemplated herein. Thus,disclosure of an illustrative measurement or distance less than or equalto about 10 units or between 0 and 10 units includes, illustratively, aspecific disclosure of: (i) a measurement of 9 units, 5 units, 1 units,or any other value between 0 and 10 units, including 0 units and/or 10units; and/or (ii) a measurement between 9 units and 1 unit, between 8units and 2 units, between 6 units and 4 units, and/or any other rangeof values between 0 and 10 units.

The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and arenot meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or theclaims.

Reference will now be made to the figures of the present disclosure. Itis noted that the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale and thatthe size, orientation, position, and/or relationship of or betweenvarious components can be altered in some embodiments without departingfrom the scope of this disclosure.

Depicted in FIGS. 1-4 is one embodiment of a compression collar 10incorporating features of the present invention. Compression collar 10comprises a tubular body 12 having an interior surface 14 and anopposing exterior surface 16 that extend between a first end 18 and anopposing second end 20. First end 18 terminates at a terminal end face19 while second end 20 terminates at a terminal end face 21.

Interior surface 14 bounds a throughway 22 that extends through body 12between first end 18 and second end 20. Throughway 22 typically has acircular transverse cross section. With the exception of the location ofstop lips, as discussed below, throughway 22 can have a constantdiameter D extending along the length of body 12. In other embodiments,interior surface 14 can outwardly flare at second end 20 to assist ineasy and guided insertion of a tube within throughway 22 from second end20. As such, diameter D of throughway 22 will typically have a constantdiameter over at least or less than 40%, 60%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 98% ofthe length of throughway 22 or in a range between any two of theforegoing.

Compression collar 10 can be formed having a variety of different sizesdepending on intended use and depending on the size of the tube to beused with compression collar 10. In some embodiments, the maximumdiameter D can be at least or less than 4 mm, 6 mm, 8 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm,20 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm, 40 mm or in a range between any two of theforegoing. Other dimensions can also be used. Compression collar 10 canalso have a length L₁ extending between end faces 19 and 21 that can beat least or less than 4 mm, 6 mm, 8 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, 30mm, 40 mm or in a range between any two of the foregoing. Otherdimensions can also be used.

In the depicted embodiment, body 12 is formed having a pair of windows26A and 26B. More specifically, window 26A extends laterally throughbody 12 from exterior surface 16 to interior surface 14 at first end 18so as to communicate with throughway 22. In the depicted embodiment,window 26A also extends through or is recessed into terminal end face19. Window 26A is partially bounded by a recessed surface 28 having anarched configuration. The arched configuration can be elongated, asdepicted, or can be semi-circular, U-shaped, C-shaped or have otherarched shaped configurations. Window 26B has the same design andconfiguration of window 26A except that it is formed on the opposingside of body 12 at first end 18. All elements and alternatives discussedwith window 26A are also applicable to window 26B. As discussed below ingreater detail, windows 26 enable visual inspection to tubes or otherstructures that may be received within throughway 22.

Although body 12 is shown as having two opposing windows 26, inalternative embodiments, body 12 can be formed with at least or lessthan one window, two windows, three windows, four windows and any otherdesired number of windows. In addition, windows need not be arched butcould have other configuration that recess into terminal end face 19 andpass through body 12. For example, windows 26 could comprise a notchhaving the shape of a V, square, rectangle, polygon, square, linearslot, or other configurations. In addition, windows 26 need not bepositioned on opposing sides of body 12 but can be merely spaced apart.In still other embodiments, windows 26 need not be recessed into endface 19 but could be spaced back from end face 19 so that the one ormore windows 26 form an aperture extending through body 12 that iscompletely encircled by body 12. Again, any desired shape could be usedfor such windows and any of the above desired numbers of windows can beformed.

As also depicted in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, compression collar 10 cancomprise a pair of stop lips 32A and 32B. Specifically, stop lip 32Aradially inwardly projects at first end 18 of body 12 so as to bealigned with and/or disposed within throughway 22. That is, stop lip 32Acan radially inwardly project from interior surface 14 at first end 18into throughway 22 or can be mounted on terminal end face 19 andinwardly project so as to be aligned with throughway 22. Stop lip 32Atypically has a length L₂ projecting into throughway 22, i.e., thelength extending between body 12 and a terminal tip 34, that is at leastor less than 2%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% or 25% of the diameter D ofthroughway 22 adjacent to stop lip 32A or is in a range between any twoof the foregoing. As discussed below in more detail, stop lip 32Afunctions as a stop for a tube or other structure being inserted intothroughway 22 from second end 20 so that the tube or other structure isproperly positioned within compression collar 10.

Stop lip 32B can have the same configuration, dimensions and relativepositioning as stop lip 32A except that stop lip 32B is spaced apartfrom stop lip 32B. More commonly, stop lip 32B is typically disposed onthe opposing side of body 12 so that stop lips 32A and 32B projectinwardly towards each other. Stop lips 32A and 32B can also be disposedin a common plane. In the depicted embodiment, two stop lips 32A and 32Bare shown. In an alternative embodiment, at least or less than one, two,three, four or more stop lips 32 can be disposed on body 12.Furthermore, in the depicted embodiment stop lips 32A and 32B are shownat or directly adjacent to terminal end face 19. In other embodiments,the one or more stop lips can be formed on interior surface 14 at alocation spaced away from terminal end face 19 and toward second end 20.In other embodiments, stop lips 32 can be eliminated. As such, first end18 could be formed only having the one or more windows 26 formed thereonand no stop lips 32 or could be formed only having the one or more stoplips 32 formed thereon and no windows 26. In yet other embodiments, bothstop lips 32 and windows 26 can be eliminated so that first end 18 canhave the same configuration as second end 20.

It is appreciated that compression collar 10 can also be described in aslightly alternative way. For example, in the above discussioncompression collar 10 comprises tubular body 12 that extends between endfaces 19 and 21 while windows 26A and 26B extend laterally through body12 at first end 18. In contrast, however, with continued reference toFIGS. 1-4, compression collar 10 can also be described as comprisingtubular body 12 that extends between an annular terminal end face 23 atfirst end 18 and annular terminal end face 21 at second end 20. A pairof spacer tabs 24A and 24B outwardly project from terminal end face 23.In the depicted embodiment, spacer tabs 24 project so as to extendparallel to a longitudinal axis 25 of tubular body 12 and morespecifically to a central longitudinal axis 25 of throughway 22. Spacertabs 24A and 24B are spaced apart and project from opposing sides ofterminal end face 23 so that throughway 22 is disposed therebetween.Each spacer tab 24 has an interior surface 29 and an opposing exteriorsurface 30 that extend to terminal end face 19, that was previouslyreferenced.

Although not required, in one embodiment interior surface 29 can extendflush with and continuously with interior surface 14 of tubular body 12.Stop lips 32A and 32B radially inwardly project from spacer tabs 24A and24B, respectively. Stop lips 32 can project from interior surface 29 orterminal end face 19 of spacer tabs 24A and 24B. In contrast todescribing windows 26A and 26B as passing through tubular body 12,windows 26A and 26B are now described as begin bounded by the opposingends of spacer tabs 24A and 24B and being bounded on one side byterminal end face 23 of tubular body 12.

Compression collar 10 is typically comprised of a polymeric materialhaving memory properties, i.e., the material will resiliently reboundtowards its original shape when stretched. One common example of apolymeric material having memory properties that can be used to formcompression collar 10 is cross-linked polyethylene that is commonlyabbreviated as PEX. PEX is commonly formed from high-densitypolyethylene (HDPE). PEX contains cross-linked bonds in the polymerstructure that change the thermoplastic to a thermoset. Depending on themanufacturing process and the specific type of material used to formcompression collar 10, the cross-linking can be accomplished prior to,during or after the forming of compression collar 10. The requireddegree of cross-linking is typically between 65% and 89%. A higherdegree of cross-linking could result in brittleness and stress crackingof the material, while a lower degree of cross-linking could result inproduct with poor physical properties.

For some cross-linking materials, e.g. some HDPE materials, thecross-linking or at least a majority of the cross-linking canautomatically be achieved during the manufacture process, especiallywhere the material forming the compression collar is heated during theforming process. A Silane or “moisture cure” method can also be used tofurther facilitate the desire cross-linking. In this method, the formedcompression collars are placed in a heated water bath or in a heatedenvironmental chamber having a relative humidity of between 60% and 98%and allowed to cure for a sufficient time to achieve the desiredcross-linking. Other applications of heat and moisture can alsofacilitate the needed cross-linking.

For some alternative cross-linking materials, the cross-linking can beaccomplished by applying radiation, such as electron beam radiation(ebeam), to the polymer, as is commonly known in the art. For example,in one method of cross-linking the polymer, compression collar 10 issubject to at least or less than 50 kGy, 60 kGy, 70 kGy or 80 kGy ofebeam or in a range between any two of the foregoing, after beingmolded. Other amounts can also be used.

In one method of manufacture, compression collar 10 can be formed by amolding process such as injection molding. The injection molding processheats the material which can facilitate at least a majority of theneeded cross-linking. Using an injection molding process enables thecompression collar 10 to be easily formed with rounded corners so as toavoid or limit sharps. Typically, compression collar 10 will be moldedand then subjected to post cross-linking process, such as discussedabove. However, the desired cross-linking can be achieved during theinitial manufacturing process either as a result of the manufactureprocess and/or by applying heat and/or humidity during manufactureand/or applying radiation during manufacture. It is appreciated thatother molding processes such as blow molding, rotational molding, andthe like can also be used to form compression collar 10. Othermanufacturing processes can also be used to form compression collar 10.For example, compression collar 10 could be machined or cut from anextruded tube of material. Other methods can also be used.

As depicted in FIG. 5, compression collar 10 can be used to secure atube 40 to a tube fitting 42 so that a liquid tight seal is formedbetween tube 40 and tube fitting 42. More specifically, tube 40comprises an encircling side wall 44 having an interior surface 46 andan opposing exterior surface 48. Interior surface 46 bounds a passage 50extending along the length of tube 40. Tube 40 has a first end 52 thatterminates at a terminal end face 54. Tube 40 is also typically made ofa polymeric material having memory properties. Although in someembodiments tube 40 can be made of the same material as compressioncollar 10, as discussed above, tube 40 is commonly made from a materialthat is different from the material for compression collar 10.Typically, the material for tube 40 has a modulus of elasticity that islower than the modulus of elasticity for the material of compressioncollar 10. That is, the material for tube 40 is typically more flexiblethan the material used to form compression collar 10. Examples ofmaterials that can be used for tube 40 that have a lower modulus ofelasticity include silicone, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and thermoplasticelastomers (TPE). Other materials can also be used. It is appreciatedthat tube 40 can have any desired diameter and any desired length.

The term “tube fitting” as used in the specification and appended claimsis broadly intended to include any type of fitting or other structuredesigned for coupling with tube 40. For example, tube fitting 42 couldcomprise a coupling fitting, union fitting, port fitting, plug fitting,T-fitting, Y-fitting, elbow fitting, reducer fitting, adapter fitting orthe like. Tube fitting 42 may be a standalone structure or may beattached to or be configured to be attach to another structure such as abag, container, tube, or other fitting. Commonly, at least a portion oftube fitting 42 is designed to be received within passage 50 of tube 40for making a connection therewith. It is also common that tube fitting42 is tubular so that a sealed fluid connection can be formed betweentube fitting 42 and tube 40. In other embodiments, however, such aswhere tube fitting 42 is a plug, tube fitting 42 need not be tubular.

In the depicted embodiment, tube fitting 42 comprises a coupling fittingused to fluid couple two separate tubes together. Tube fitting 42comprises a stem 64 having a first end 60 and an opposing second end 62.Formed on and radially encircling exterior surface 66 of stem 64 atfirst end 60 is an annular barb 68A having a frustoconicalconfiguration. Barb 68A includes an annular outside shoulder 69.Although stem 64 is shown having a single barb 68A formed thereon, inother embodiment, stem 64 can be formed with at least or less than one,two, three, four or more consecutive or spaced apart barbs 68A formedthereon. Formed on and radially encircling exterior surface 66 of stem64 at second end 62 is an annular barb 68B having the same configurationand elements as barb 68A. Again, stem 64 can be formed with at least orless than one, two, three, four or more barbs 68B formed thereon.Although not required, a flange 70 encircles and radially outwardlyextends from stem 64 at a location between barbs 68A and 68B. As alsoshown in FIG. 5, stem 64 can be tubular having an interior surface 72that bounds a passage 74 that extends through stem 64 between opposingends 60 and 62.

Tube fitting 42 is typically molded from a polymeric material. However,other materials and molding processes can also be used. Tube fitting 42is also typically made from a material that is different from thematerial used to form tube 40 and compression collar 10. In addition,the material used to form tube fitting 42 typically has a modulus ofelasticity that is greater than the modulus of elasticity of thematerials used to form tube 40 and compression collar 10. That is, tubefitting 42 is typically less flexible than tube 40 and compressioncollar 10.

As previously discussed, tube fitting 42 can have a variety of differentconfigurations. For example, depicted in FIG. 6 is one example of tubefitting 42A that comprises a port fitting and is coupled to a container130. Like elements between tube fittings 42 and 42A are identified bylike reference characters. Tube fitting 42A includes tubular stem 64having annular barb 68A formed on first end 60 thereof. The alternativenumber of barbs 68A as discussed above with regard to tube fitting 42are also applicable to tube fitting 42A. In contrast to tube fitting 42,tube fitting 42A has second end 62 with a flange 133 outwardlyprojecting therefrom. In this embodiment, flange 133 is secured to aninterior surface 132 of container 130 such as by welding or adhesive.Stem 64 extends through an opening in container 130.

Container 130 can comprise a rigid, semi-rigid or flexible container.For example, container 130 can comprise a collapsible, flexible bag madefrom one or more sheets of polymeric film. The polymeric film cancomprise a flexible, water impermeable material, such as a low-densitypolyethylene, and may have a thickness that is at least or less than0.02 mm, 0.05 mm, 0.1 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.5 mm, 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm or in a rangebetween any two of the foregoing. The film is may be sufficientlyflexible that it can be rolled into a tube without plastic deformationand/or can be folded over an angle of at least 90°, 180°, 270°, or 360°without plastic deformation. Other materials can also be used.

When using compression collar 10 to secure tube fitting 42 to tube 40,compression collar 10 is first expanded from an initial constrictedstate to an expanded state. As depicted in FIG. 7, compression collar 10can be expanded using an expander 80. In general, expander 80 comprisesa housing 82 having a top surface 84 with an annular stop ring 86disposed thereon. Stop ring 86 encircles and opening 88 extendingtherethrough. Disposed within opening 88 is an expansion mechanism 90.As depicted in FIGS. 8A and 8B, expansion mechanism 90 comprises aplurality of elongated fingers 92 that are radially spaced about acommon central axis 94. In general, each finger 92 comprises anelongated base 96 and an elongated prong 98 outwardly projecting fromeach base 96. More specifically, each base 96 has a wedge or pie shapedcross sectional configuration with a top face 100 that extends between aconstricted inside end 101 and an opposing widened outside face 102. Topface 100 is shown as being flat while widened outside face 102 isrounded or arced. Each prong 98 upwardly projects from top face 100 ofeach base 96 at constricted inside end 101. Each prong 98 also has awedge or pie shaped cross sectional configuration that extends between aconstricted inside end 104 and a widened outside face 106. Outside face106 is rounded or arced.

Fingers 92 can move between a collapsed position, as shown in FIG. 8A,and an expanded position, as shown in FIG. 8B. In the collapsed positionfingers 92 move together so as to encircle a common central axis 94.More specifically, bases 96 combine to form a cylinder having a centralaxis 94 that includes a flat, circular, top surface 108 and acylindrical side wall 110. Prongs 98 also concurrently move together toform a cylinder having the same central axis 94 that includes a flat,circular, top surface 112 and a cylindrical side wall 114.

As fingers 92 move from the collapsed position of FIG. 8A to theexpanded position of FIG. 8B, each base 96 and prong 98 moves radiallyoutward away from central axis 94. Fingers 92 move outwardly until theyhit against stop ring 86. Stop ring 86 thus prevents fingers 92 fromexpanding farther than desired.

In the depicted embodiment, expansion mechanism 90 includes six fingers92 and thus six bases 96 and six prongs 98. In alternative embodiments,it is appreciated that expansion mechanism 90 can be formed with atleast or less than 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 fingers 92 and acorresponding number of bases 96 and prongs 98. The number of fingers 92can also be in the range between any two of the foregoing numbers. Othernumbers of fingers 92 could also be used. It is appreciated that anyform of drive mechanism, such as a gear drive, pneumatic drive,hydraulic drive, belt drive and the like, can be used to move fingers 92between the collapsed and expanded positions. It is also appreciatedthat expander 80 is only one example of an expander that can be used toexpand compression collar 10. It is appreciated that any form ofexpander that will function of expand compression collar 10, asdiscussed below, can be used in the methods of the present invention.

During use, expansion mechanism 90 is initially moved to the collapsedposition. As depicted in FIG. 9, second end 20 of compression collar 10is then advanced over prongs 98 so that prongs 98 are received withinthroughway 22 (FIG. 4). Compression collar 10 can be advanced untilstopped by the free end of prongs 98 hitting against stop lips 32 and/orsecond end 20 of compression collar 10 hitting against top surface 108of bases 96. In either event, prongs 98 extend the full length orsubstantially the full length of throughway 22. For example, prongs 98can extend at least 80%, 90%, 95% or 98% of the full length ofthroughway 22. Once compression collar 10 is properly positioned onprongs 98, fingers 92 are moved radially outward to the expandedposition, as shown in FIG. 8B, thereby radially stretching compressioncollar 10 from its constricted state to its expanded state.

Once compression collar 10 is stretched to the expanded state, fingers92 are again moved back toward the retracted position so thatcompression collar 10 can be freely removed from fingers 92. Compressioncollar 10 begins to automatically, resiliently rebound back toward itsconstricted state as soon as it is released from prongs 98. Compressioncollar 10 will typically rebound to lose 50% of its expansion within 30second of being released. Because of the mechanical properties ofcompression collar 10, however, it will typically take at least 30minutes and more commonly at least 1 hour or 2 hours for compressioncollar 10 to rebound so as to lose 90% of its expansion. The time forrebounding is in part dependent upon the extent of the originalstretching. In the present invention, a compression collar 10 of a setsize may stretched to different ratios depending on its intended use. Insome uses, compression collars disclosed herein are typically expandedto at least or less than 115%, 130%, 140%, 150%, 160%, 180%, 200%, 210%of their original constricted diameter or in a range between any two ofthe forgoing. For example, the diameter D in FIG. 4 can be expanded tothe foregoing percentages. Other values can also be used. Furthermore,there may be some plastic deformation of compression collar 10 in theoriginal stretching. As such, compression collar 10 may not be able tofully return to its original constricted state.

It is appreciated that the use of expander 80 is only one of manymethods that can used to expand compression collar 10. By way of exampleand not by limitation, compression collar 10 could also be expanded byinserting a bladder, either elastomeric or non-elastomeric, withinthroughway 22 and then expanding the bladder to expand compressioncollar 10. In another method, compression collar 10 can be rapidly spunto produce expansion by centrifugal force. In still another method, atapered punch could be linearly pressed into throughway 22 for expandingcompression collar 10. As discussed below in further detail, in stillother methods, a tapered mandrel can be rotated and advanced withinthroughway 22 to expand compression collar 10. Rollers or air bearingscould be disposed on the mandrel to reduce friction and damage to thecompression collar. Other methods can also be used.

Turning to FIGS. 10A and 10B, once compression collar 10 is in theexpanded state, first end 52 of tube 40 is advanced into throughway 22of compression collar 10 until first end 52 butts against one or both ofstop lips 32. Stop lips 32 thus help to properly position tube 40 withincompression collar 10.

As depicted in FIGS. 11 and 12, once tube 40 is properly positionedwithin compression collar 10, first end 60 of tube fitting 42 isadvanced into passage 50 of tube 40 at first end 52 while tube 40 issupported within compression collar 10. Tube fitting 42 is typicallyadvanced into passage 50 prior to significant constricting ofcompression collar 10 so that compression collar 10 does not interferewith the insertion of tube fitting 42. Furthermore, tube 40 is typicallysufficiently flexible that tube fitting 42 can be manually pressed intopassage 50. In other embodiments, however, a tool or machine can be usedto assist in the insertion of tube fitting 42.

In the depicted embodiment, tube fitting 42 is advanced until flange 70butts against compression collar 10. Windows 26 enable a visualinspection of first end 52 of tube 40 to ensure that first end 52remains adjacent to or butted against the interior surface of stop lips32 while flange 70 is positioned adjacent to or butted against theopposing exterior surface of stop lips 32, thereby ensuring that bothtube 40 and tube fitting 42 are properly positioned within compressioncollar 10.

Once tube 40 and tube fitting 42 are properly positioned, compressioncollar 10 is left to automatically, resiliently rebound back toward theconstricted state. At a minimum, compression collar 10 resilientlyrebounds so as to have an inner diameter that is smaller than the outerdiameter of tube 40, thereby compressing tube 40. As compression collar10 resiliently constricts, it radially inwardly pushes and constrictstube 40, as depicted in FIG. 12, so as to form a uniform, annular,liquid tight seal between tube 40 and barb 68A. Here it is noted thatcompression collar 10 is sized relative to tube 40, as depicted in FIG.10B, so that when compression collar 10 is in the expanded state,terminal end face 54 of tube 40 necessarily butts against one or both ofstop lips 32 when advanced through throughway 22, as opposed to freelypassing between stop lips 32. However, compression collar 10 is alsoconfigured so that tube fitting 42 can be advanced into passageway 50 oftube 40 without significant interference by stop lips 32 of compressioncollar 10. That is, tube fitting 42 may cause bending or flexing of stoplips 32 as tube fitting 42 is advanced into passageway 50 of tube 40 butstop lips 32 will not preclude coupling of tube fitting 42 and tube 40.Likewise, compression collar 10 is configured so that stop lips 32 donot prematurely hit against tube fitting 42, thereby preventingcompression collar 10 from properly compressing tube 40 about barb 68.

It is appreciated that a single compression collar 10 can be used with aplurality of different tubes 40 having different diameters within afixed range of diameters. For tubes 40 outside of the range ofdiameters, a different sized compression collar 10 can be used. As sucha plurality of different sized compression collars 10 can be producedwhere each compression collar 10 is designed to be used with a pluralityof different tubes 40 having different diameters within a fixed range ofdiameters.

As also depicted in FIG. 12, tube fitting 42 is typically positioned sothat shoulder 69 of barb 68A is centrally positioned along the length ofthroughway 22 of compression collar 10. More specifically, shoulder 69is typically positioned so as to be located at a distance from thecenter of the length of throughway 22, i.e., central axis 25, that isless than or at least 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, 10%, 12%, 15%, 20%, 30%, or 40% ofthe length of throughway 22. Other positioning can also be used.

In an alternative embodiment where compression collar 10 does notinclude stop lips 32, it is appreciated that tube 40 could first bepassed all the way through expanded compression collar 10. Tube fitting42 could then be pressed within passage 50 of tube 40 so the tubefitting 42 still remains outside of compression collar 10. The combinedtube 40 and tube fitting 42 could then be received within throughway 22of compression collar 10 for being radially compress by compressioncollar 10.

Although not required, in one embodiment of the present invention, aftercompression collar 10 has rebounded toward the contracted state so as tocompress tube 40 and produce the seal between tube 40 and tube fitting42, radiation, such as gamma radiation, can be applied to the assembledcompression collar 10, tube fitting 42 and tube 40. It is theorized thatthe applied radiation further increases the cross linking of thepolyethylene or other material used to form compression collar 10. Byincreasing the cross linking, compression collar 10 becomes stiffer,thereby further securing the connection between tube fitting 42 and tube40. This increased connection helps to prevent any unintentionalseparation or leaking between tube fitting 42 and tube 40 as tubefitting 42 and/or tube 40 are subsequently moved, such as duringshipping or use. The application of such radiation prior to theexpansion of compression collar 10 may not be desirable because it couldmake compression collar 10 too rigid for proper expansion. However,applying the radiation after rebounding of the compression collar 10helps to solidify the secure the engagement between tube fitting 42 andtube 40. In some methods, the radiation can be applied while and/orafter the compression collar 10 is resiliently rebounding toward theconstricted state.

It is noted that in the above discussed method of assembly thatcompression collar 10 is moved from the constricted to expanded stateindependent of tube 40. That is, tube 40 is not concurrently expandedwith compression collar 10. Rather, compression collar 10 first expandedand then tube 40 is inserted into the expanded compression collar 10while tube 40 is in it normal unexpanded state. However, in someembodiments, it may be desirable to first insert tube 40 intocompression collar 10 and then currently expand both tube 40 andcompression collar 10 using expander 80 or some other expander. Tubefitting 42 can then still be received within tube 40 as discussed above.

Depicted in FIGS. 13 and 14 are perspective views of an alternativeembodiment of a compression collar 10A incorporating features of thepresent invention Like elements between compression collars 10 and 10Aare identified by like reference characters. Compression collars 10 and10A are identical except that compression collar 10A includes a pair ofspaced apart compression ribs 120A and 120B disposed on interior surface14 of tubular body 12 so as to radially inwardly project into throughway22 and encircle throughway 22. Although not required, in the depictedembodiment compression ribs are annular, i.e., in the form of annularrings. Compression ribs 120A and 120B are typically disposed at ortoward first end 18 of body 12 so that when tube fitting 42 and tube 40are coupled together and disposed within throughway 22 of compressioncollar 10A, as shown in FIG. 15, compression ribs 120A and 120B aredisposed between barb 68A and terminal end face 23 (FIG. 13) ofcompression collar 10A. That is, compression ribs 120A and 120B projectinto and compress tube 40 behind barb 68A so as to further secure tube40 to tube fitting 42 and further enhance the liquid tight seal betweentube 40 and tube fitting 42. In alternative embodiments, compressioncollar 10A can be formed with at least or less than 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5spaced apart compression ribs or with a range between any two of theforegoing numbers.

Depicted in FIG. 16 is an alternative embodiment of a compression collar10B. Like elements between compression collar 10 and 10B are identifiedby like reference characters. For example, compression collar 10Binclude tubular body 12 extending between terminal end face 23 at firstend 18 and terminal end face 21 and second end 20. Tubular body 12 hasinterior surface 14 that bounds throughway 22 extending therethrough.However, in contrast to compression collar 10, compression collar 10Bincludes only a single spacer tab 24A outwardly projecting from firstend 18 of tubular body 12. Single spacer tab 24A is shown projectingfrom terminal end face 23. In turn, only a single window 26A is formed.Window 26A is bounded on its opposing ends by the opposing ends ofspacer tab 24A and is bounded on one side by the exposed area ofterminal end face 23.

It is appreciated that spacer tab 24A can have a variety of differentwidths, i.e., the distance that spacer tab 24A extends along terminalend face 23. For example, with reference to the full annular length ofterminal end face 23, spacer tab 24A can have a width that is at leastor less than 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60% of the full annularlength of terminal end face 23 or is in a range between any two of thepercent values. Spacer tab 24A also typically has a height H extendingbetween terminal end face 23 and terminal end face 19 that is at leastor less than 0.5 mm, 1 mm, 1.5 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 7 mm, 10 mm,15 mm, 20 mm or is in a range between any of the two foregoing values.Height H can vary based on the diameter of tubular body 12. For example,in some embodiments the height H can increase as the diameter increases.

Although spacer tab 24A can be located at any location along terminalend face 23, in one embodiment spacer tab 24A can be positioned toincrease the hoop strength of tubular body 12. For example, in onemethod of manufacture, as previously discussed, compression collar 10Bcan be produced by injection molding. In this method of manufacture, theproduction material is injected into a mold cavity having asubstantially tubular, cylindrical configuration that corresponds to thedesired shape of the compression collar. The material typically entersthe cavity and flows in opposite directions around the cavity until thematerial meets up at an intersection location 116 to form a continuousloop. A weld line 117 can be formed where the material flows togetherand welds together but does not mix. Intersection location 116 and weldline 117 will typically extend along the length of compression collar10B between terminal end faces 21 and 23. The material will often notfully blend or mix at intersection location 116/weld line 117, dependingon the properties of the material, and thus will be weaker in lateraltension at intersection location 116/weld line 117. To help increase thetensile strength of compression collar 10B at intersection location116/weld line 117 so that compression collar 10B does not fail as it isbeing radially expanded for attachment, spacer tab 24A can be formed atintersection location 116/weld line 117. That is, by positioning spacertab 24A in alignment with intersection location 116/weld line 117, morematerial is disposed along intersection location 116/weld line 117,thereby increasing the tensile strength along intersection location116/weld line 117 and increasing the overall hoop strength ofcompression collar 10B.

As a result of spacer tab 24A, there is typically less radial expansionof tubular body 12 at intersection location 116 during the expansionprocess than at the remainder of tubular body 12 where spacer tab 24Adoes not exist. Thus, to help ensure a more uniform expansion of tubularbody 12, tubular body 12 will often only be made with one spacer tab 24Aformed therein. However, as discussed below, multiple spacer tabs 24 canalso be formed.

Compression collar 10B is used in substantially the same way aspreviously discussed with regard to compression collar 10. For example,compression collar 10 is initially expanded in the same way aspreviously discussed with regard to compression collar 10. Turning toFIGS. 17A and 17B, once compression collar 10B is in the expanded state,first end 52 of tube 40 is advanced into throughway 22 of compressioncollar 10B. Because compression collar 10B does not include stop lips32, tube 40 can be freely passed entirely through compression collar10B, if desired.

Next, first end 60 of tube fitting 42 is advanced into passage 50 oftube 40 at first end 52 while tube 40 is partially disposed withinthroughway 20 of compression collar 10B. Tube fitting 42 is typicallyadvanced into passage 50 prior to significant constricting ofcompression collar 10B so that compression collar 10B does not interferewith the insertion of tube fitting 42. Furthermore, tube 40 is typicallysufficiently flexible that tube fitting 42 can be manually pressed intopassage 50. In other embodiments, however, a tool or machine can be usedto assist in the insertion of tube fitting 42.

Tube fitting 42 is advanced until flange 70 butts against the terminalend of tube 40. As needed, the assembled tube fitting 42 and tube 40 aremoved so that terminal end 19 of spacer tab 24A butts against flange 70of tube fitting 42. That is, tube fitting 42 and tube 40 can beassembled outside of compression collar 10B and then moved into place.Alternatively, tube 40 or tube fitting 42 can be held at the desiredlocation relative to compression collar 10B while the other of tube 40or tube fitting 42 is coupled thereto. In this method, no movement oftube 40 or tube fitting 42 is required relative to compression collar10B once tube 40 and tube fitting 42 are coupled together. After tubefitting 42 and tube 40 are properly positioned, compression collar 10 isleft to automatically, resiliently rebound back toward the constrictedstate. At a minimum, compression collar 10 resiliently rebounds so as tohave an inner diameter that is smaller than the outer diameter of tube40, thereby compressing tube 40. As compression collar 10 resilientlyconstricts, it radially inwardly pushes and constricts tube 40, so as toform a uniform, annular, liquid tight seal between tube 40 and barb 68A,in the same way as previously discussed and depicted with regard to FIG.12.

Window 26A enables a visual inspection of first end 52 of tube 40 toensure that first end 52 of tube 40 remains adjacent to or buttedagainst flange 70 while compression collar 10B is positioned adjacent toor butted against flange 70, thereby ensuring that both tube 40 and tubefitting 42 are properly positioned within compression collar 10B so thatcompression collar 10B produces the desired liquid tight seal betweentube 40 and tube fitting 42.

Depending on the situation, variations in the assembly process may alsobe used. For example, if tube 40 has a free second end 53 that isopposite first end 52, tube 40 and tube fitting 42 could be coupledtogether outside of compression collar 10B. Once assembled, second end53 could be advanced through throughway 22 of compression collar 10Buntil spacer tab 24A butts against flange 70 of tube fitting 42. In yetanother alternative, compression collar 10B may be configured so that inthe expanded state, tube fitting 42 (including flange 70) can passentirely through throughway 22. In this embodiment, tube 40 and tubefitting 42 could again be coupled together outside of compression collar10B. Once assembled, tube fitting 42 having tube 40 therein could beadvanced through compression collar 10 until the side face of flange 70is aligned with terminal end face 19 of spacer tab 24A. The assemblycould then be held in this position until compression collar 10Bsufficiently constricts so that spacer tab 24A butts against flange 70.Other methods of assembly can also be used depending on the facts.

In an alternative embodiment, it is appreciated that compression collar10B can be formed with 2, 3, 4, or more spaced apart spacer tabs 24. Forexample, depicted in FIG. 18 is a compression collar 10C. Compressioncollar 10C has the same structural elements and is used in the same wayas compression collar 10B except that compression collar 10C includes asecond spacer tab 24B projecting from first end 18 of tubular body 12.Again, spacer tabs 24A and 24B are shown projecting from terminal endface 23 and bound windows 26A and 26B therebetween. Spacer tabs 24A and24B are opposingly facing and are disposed on opposing sides of terminalend face 23. Other spacings of spacer tabs 24A and 24B can also be used.

In another alternative embodiment depicted in FIG. 19, a compressioncollar 10D is provided. Compression collar 10D has the same structuralelements and is used in the same way as compression collars 10B and 10Cexcept that compression collar 10D also includes a third spacer tab 24Clongitudinally projecting from first end 18 of tubular body 12. Again,spacer tabs 24A, 24B, and 24C are shown projecting from terminal endface 23 and bound windows 26A, 26B, and 26C therebetween.

Depicted in FIGS. 20 and 21 is another alternative embodiment of acompression collar 10E that has the same structural elements and can beused in the same way as compression collars 10B-10D. Compression collar10E is distinguished from compression collar 10B by having annularcompression rib 120A inwardly projecting from interior surface 14 atfirst end 18. In the depicted embodiment, compression rib 120A is shownbeing flush with terminal end face 23. In other embodiments, compressionrib 120A can be spaced apart from terminal end face 23 and located moretoward second end 20.

Compression rib 120A is positioned and designed to function in the sameway as previously discussed with regard to compression collar 10A whendiscussing FIGS. 13-15. Specifically, compression rib 120A is positionedso that when tube fitting 42 and tube 40 are coupled together anddisposed within throughway 22 of compression collar 10E, compression rib120A is disposed between barb 68A (FIG. 15) and terminal end face 23 ofcompression collar 10E or at terminal end face 23. Compression rib 120Aprojects into and compresses tube 40 behind barb 68A so as to furthersecure tube 40 to tube fitting 42 and further enhance the liquid tightseal between tube 40 and tube fitting 42. In alternative embodiments,compression collar 10E can be formed with at least or less than 2, 3, 4,or 5 spaced apart compression ribs or with a range between any two ofthe foregoing numbers. For example, depicted in FIG. 22 is anotheralternative embodiment of a compression collar 10F that has the samestructural elements and can be used in the same way as compressioncollar 10E except that compression collar 10F also includes secondcompression rib 120B. Second compression rib 120B also radially inwardlyprojects from interior surface 14 and is located at first end 18 oftubular body 12 but is spaced apart from first compression rib 120A.Second compression rib 120B functions the same way as first compressionrib 120A.

FIG. 23 shows an alternative embodiment of a compression collar 10G thathas the same structural elements and can be used in the same way ascompression collar 10E. However, compression collar 10G has a pluralityof compression ribs 120A-120F that radially inwardly project frominterior surface 14 of tubular body 12 at first end 18. Compression ribs120A-120F can each be directly adjacently disposed or can be spacedapart. Again, compression ribs 120A-120F project into and compress tube40 behind barb 68A so as to further secure tube 40 to tube fitting 42and further enhance the liquid tight seal between tube 40 and tubefitting 42.

Depicted in FIG. 24 is another alternative embodiment of a compressioncollar 10H that has the same structural elements and can be used in thesame way as compression collar 10E. In the embodiments of compressioncollars 10E-10G, compression ribs 120 are shown as being annular, i.e.,annular rings. In contrast, compression collar 10H includes compressionribs 122A-122C that radially inwardly project from interior surface 14of body 12 at first end 18 but are not annular. Rather, compression ribs122A-122C are radially spaced apart and are separated by gaps 124A-124C.In the depicted embodiment, compression ribs 122A-122C are disposed atthe same location along the length of tubular body 12. That is,compression ribs 122A-122C are disposed within a common plane thatorthogonally passes through longitudinal axis 25 (FIG. 4) of tubularbody 12. In an alternative embodiment, compression ribs 122A-122C can bestaggered along the length of tubular body 12 at first end 18.

In the depicted embodiment, three non-annular compression ribs 122A-122Care shown. In alternative embodiments, 1, 2, 4, or more non-annularcompression ribs 122 can be used. As with compression ribs 120,compression ribs 122 project into and compress tube 40 behind barb 68Aso as to further secure tube 40 to tube fitting 42 and further enhancethe liquid tight seal between tube 40 and tube fitting 42.

One potential concern with using annular compression ribs 120 is thatduring the expansion process, prongs 98 from expansion mechanism 90(FIG. 8B) could press against and potentially deform or damage thatannular compression ribs 120 so that they no longer properly function toseal tube 40 to tube fitting 42. By using non-annular, spaced apartcompression ribs 122, expansion mechanism 90 (FIG. 8B) can be designedwith prongs 98 that sit only within gaps 124 and do not sit directlyagainst compression ribs 122. Accordingly, as compression collar 10H isexpanded by prongs 98, there is no risk of compression ribs 122 beingdeformed or damaged by prongs 98.

Depicted in FIG. 25 is a further alternative embodiment of a compressioncollar 10I that has the same structural elements and can be used in thesame way as compression collar 10H. Compression collar 10I is the sameas compression collar 10H except that compression collar 10I includes asecond row of compression ribs 122D-122F. Compression ribs 122D-122F canhave the same configuration and function as compression ribs 122A-122Cand be spaced apart by gaps 124A-124C. Furthermore, compression ribs122D-122F can have the same alternatives as compression ribs 122A-122C.However, compression ribs 122D-122F are placed at a different locationalong the length of tubular body 12.

In the above discussed embodiments, compression ribs 122 are depicted aslinear and are located at first end 18. In alternative embodiment,however, the compression ribs need not be linear and can also be locatedat second end 20. For example, depicted in FIG. 26 is a compressioncollar 10J having a plurality of compression ribs 126 radially inwardlyprojecting from interior surface 14. However, compression ribs 126 arespaced apart over the entire interior surface 14 between first end 18and second end 20. Furthermore, compression ribs 126 are shown as beingcircular. However, in other embodiments, compression ribs could be oval,elliptical, square, irregular or have other polygonal configurations.Compression ribs 126 still function to project into and compress tube 40so as to further secure tube 40 to tube fitting 42 and further enhancethe liquid tight seal between tube 40 and tube fitting 42.

In another alternative embodiment depicted in FIGS. 27 and 28, acompression collar 10K is provided. Compression collar 10K has the samestructural elements and is used in the same way as compression collar10B. The distinction between compression collar 10K and compressioncollar 10B is that compression collar 10K has a retention rib 140A thatradially outwardly projects from exterior surface 16 of tubular body 12at first end 18. Retention rib 140A is depicted as being annular andflush with terminal end face 23. However, in alternative embodiments,retention rib 140A can be located at other locations along the length oftubular body 12, i.e., spaced apart from terminal end face 23, and neednot be annular. For example, retention rib 140A could comprise aplurality of spaced apart non-annular retention ribs, i.e., 2, 3, 4, ormore retention ribs, such as compression ribs 122.

In contrast to compression ribs 120 and 122 that project into anddirectly compress tube 40, retention rib 140A reinforces first end 18 oftubular body 12. This reinforcement helps to ensure that first end 18fully constricts after expansion and thereby helps to ensure thatcompression collar 10K compresses tube 40 to secure tube 40 to tubefitting 42 and further ensures the liquid tight seal between tube 40 andtube fitting 42. If desired, more than one retention rib 140 can beformed on tubular body 12. For example, in FIG. 29 compression collar10K includes a second retention rib 140B radially outwardly projectingfrom exterior surface at first end 18. Retention rib 140B can have thesame alternatives as retention rib 140A. As desired, 3, 4 or moreretention ribs 140 can be used. Furthermore, as depicted in FIG. 30,retention rib 140B or other retention ribs can also be disposed assecond end 20. Even when located at second end 20, retention ribs 140help ensure proper constriction of tubular body 12 for compressing tube40.

Depicted in FIG. 31 is compression collar 10B as previously discussedabove with regard to FIG. 16. However, compression collar 10B has nowbeen modified to include gripping 144 formed on exterior surface 16.Gripping 144 can be in the form of linear ribs or any other shape ofprojections that will assist a using in gripping and moving compressioncollar 10B. For example, gripping can be the same shape as compressionribs discussed with regard to FIG. 26. Although gripping 144 is showndisposed at second end 20, it can also be disposed at first end 10 orcan be disposed in patterns or at spaced apart locations over theentirety of exterior surface 16.

Depicted in FIG. 32 is another alternative embodiment of a compressioncollar 10L. Like elements between compression collar 10L and other thecompression collars disclosed herein are identified by like referencecharacters. Specifically, compression collar 10L includes tubular body12 extending between terminal end face 23 at first end 18 and terminalend face 21 and second end 20. Tubular body 12 has interior surface 14that bound throughway 22 and also has exterior surface 16. Compressioncollar 10L is distinguished from compression collar 10B in thecompression collar 10L does not include spacer tab 24A. Furthermore,compression collar 10L includes a window 146A that extends throughtubular body 12 between interior surface 14 an exterior surface 16 atfirst end 18. Window 146A is spaced apart from terminal end face 23 sothat window 146 a is completely encircled by tubular body 12. In thedepicted embodiment, window 146A is in the form of an elongated slotthat extends partially around the circumference of tubular body 12.However, in other embodiments, window 146A can be in the form of acircle, ellipse, or other polygonal configurations.

Compression collar 10L functions the same and is used in the same way ascompression collar 10B, previously discussed, except that once tube 40and tube fitting 42 are coupled together, terminal end face 23 is butteddirectly against flange 70 of tube fitting 42. Window 146A can then beused to ensure that tube 40 is properly positioned within compressioncollar 10L. It is appreciated that any desired number of windows 146 canbe used and that windows 146 can be disposed at a variety of differentlocations. For example, in contrast to having a single window 146A, itis appreciated that 2, 3, 4, or more windows can be disposed extendingthrough tubular body 12 at the same location along the length of tubularbody 12. FIG. 33 shows such an example where a plurality, morespecifically three, of windows 146A, 146B, and 146C are spaced apart andextend through tubular body 12 at the same location along the length oftubular body 12. Again, windows 146 can be used to ascertain theposition of tube 40.

In contrast to windows 146 being disposed at the same location along thelength of tubular body 12, windows 146 can also be spaced apart alongthe length of tubular body 12. For example, in FIG. 34 compressioncollar 10L includes first window 146A and a second window 146D extendingthrough tubular body 12 so as to be completely encircled by tubular body12. However, windows 146A and 146D extend through tubular body 12 at twospaced apart locations along the length tubular body 12. FIG. 35 show anembodiment of compression collar 10L which shows a combination of thewindows shown in FIGS. 33 and 34. Specifically, compression collar 10Lhas a first set of a plurality of windows, i.e., windows 146A and 146B,that are at a defined location along the length of tubular body 12 and asecond set of a plurality of windows, i.e., windows 146D and 146E, thatare located at a second location along the length of tubular body 12.FIG. 36 shows the same embodiment of compression collar 10L shown inFIG. 35 except that the first set of a plurality of windows includesthree separate windows, i.e., windows 146A, 146B and 146C, while thesecond set of a plurality of windows includes three windows, i.e.,windows 146D, 146E, and 146F. As needed, any desired number of windowscan be used at any desired location.

Depicted in FIG. 37 is an alternative embodiment of a compression collar10M that can achieve the same function and be used in the same way asthe prior compression collars disclosed herein Like elements betweencompression collar 10M and compression collar 10B are identified by likereference characters. Compression collar 10M includes tubular body 12that extends between terminal end face 23 and terminal end face 21 andthat bounds throughway 22. As previously discussed with regard tocompression collar 10B, compression collar 10M includes an intersectionzone 116 that longitudinally extends between terminal end faces 23 and21 and is where, during the injection molding process, the material usedto form compression collar 10M flows together to form a continuous loop.Weld line 117 can be formed at intersection zone 116 where the materialflows together and welds together. As also previously discussed, thematerial at intersection zone 116 will typically not uniformly blend ormix together so that the lateral tensile strength of the compressioncollar at intersection zone 116/weld line 117 is typically less than atother locations around the compression collar.

To compensate for this structural weakness, compression collar 10M isformed having an increased thickness at intersection zone 116. Thisincreased thickness will typically longitudinally extend between firstend 18 and second end 20. More specifically, a hump 136 is formed onexterior surface 16 of tubular body 12 along intersection zone 116/weldline 117 that extends between first end 18 and second end 20 and willtypically extend between terminal end faces 23 and 21. Hump 136 isintegrally formed with tubular body 12 as part of the molding process sothat hump 136 and tubular body 12 form a single, continuous, unitarystructure. As a result of hump 136, the overall hoop strength ofcompression collar 10M is increased. In contrast to forming a singlecontinuous hump, in alternative embodiments, two, three, or more spacedapart humps 136 could be formed along intersection zone 116.

In the foregoing alternative embodiments of compression collars, it isappreciated that the inventive compression collars can be formed with avariety of different features and that each feature achieves anindependent unique benefit or improvement. In other alternativeembodiments, it is appreciated that each of the independent featurespreviously discussed can be mixed and matched into any desiredcombination. For example, alternative compression collars can be formedthat include tubular body 12 and that can further include zero or one ormore spacer tabs 24, zero or one or more stop lips 32, zero or one ormore annular compression ribs 120, zero or one or more non-annularcompression ribs 124 and/or 126, zero or one or more retention ribs 140,zero or one or more gripping 144, zero or one or more windows 26 and/or146, and/or zero or one or more humps 136. By way of example and not bylimitation, depicted in FIG. 38 is an alternative embodiment of acompression collar 10N that includes tubular body 12 having spacer tab24A, compression ribs 122A-122C and retention rib 140 formed thereon.Again, compression collars can also be formed having tubular body 12 andany combination of the above described features or alternatives of theabove described features.

As previously discussed with regard to FIGS. 7-8B, expander 80 can beused to selectively expand compression collars 10. In the previouslydiscussed method for expansion, a single expander 80 is inserted intoone end of a compression collar 10 for expansion of the compressioncollar. In one alternative method of expansion, dual expanders 80 can beinserted into the opposing ends of a compression collar 10 tosimultaneously expand the compression collar 10 at both opposing ends.This method can be helpful in retaining interior surface 14 morecircular as compression collar 10 is expanded.

It is also appreciated that the expander can come in a variety ofdifferent configurations. For example, depicted in FIGS. 39 and 40 isone alternative example of an expander 150, in the form of a mandrel,that can be used for expanding compression collars 10. Expander 150 hasa first end 152 and an opposing second end 154 with a centrallongitudinal axis 155 extending through the opposing ends. Expander 150includes an annular tapered body 156 that outwardly flares from firstend 152 toward second end 154. A plurality of elongated, cylindricalrollers 158 are rotatably mounted on tapered body 156. Rollers 158 areradially spaced apart around tapered body 156 and extend along thelength to tapered body 156 so that roller 158 also outwardly flare orproject as they extend from first end 152 toward second end 154.Furthermore, rollers 150 are laterally sloped at an angle θ relative tocentral longitudinal axis 155. Angle θ is typically at least or lessthan 5°, 10°, 15°, 20°, 30°, 40° or in a range between any two of theforegoing. Other angles can also be used. Body 156 terminates at atapered nose 160 at first end 152. Coupled with body 156 at second end154 is a shank 162. Shank is configured to engage with a drill such as ahand drill or a drill press and typically has a cylindrical or polygonaltransverse cross section.

During use, nose 160 is advanced into throughway 22 from one end of acompression collar 10. Compression collar 10 is held stationary whileexpander 150 is rotated. As rotating expander 150 is advanced intothroughway 22, rollers 158 ride against and rotate over interior surface14. Because of the outward projection or flare of rollers 158, rollers158 radially outwardly expand compression collar 10 as expander 150 ispressed further into throughway 22. Furthermore, because rollers 158 arerolling over interior surface 14, rollers 158 produce low friction anddo not damage compression collar 10. Expander 80 is advanced untilcompression collar 10 is sufficiently expanded to facilitate couplingwith tube 40 and tube fitting 42, as previously discussed. If desired,separate expanders 150 can simultaneously advance into throughway 22 ofcompression collar 10 from the opposing ends for expansion. Likewise,expander 150 can be inserted consecutively into the opposing ends ofcompression collar 10 for expansion.

In contrast to laterally angling rollers 158 relative to longitudinalaxis 155, as shown in FIG. 39, rollers 158 can also be aligned withlongitudinal axis 155. For example, FIG. 41 shows an alternativeexpander 150A that is substantially identical to expander 150 exceptthat rollers 150 are all aligned with longitudinal axis 155. Expander150A can be used in the same way as expander 150 as discussed above.

Depicted in FIGS. 42-44 is a further alternative embodiment of anexpander 170 that can be used to expand any of the compression collarsdisclosed herein. Expander 170 comprises an elongated tubular stem 172having a channel 173 extending between a first end 174 and an opposingsecond end 176. Channel 173 is open at first end 174 but is sealedclosed at second end 176. Stem 172 is typically made of a rigid materiallike a metal. A pump 178 is couple with first end 174 and is used todeliver hydraulic fluid into channel 173 of stem 172.

A tubular bladder 180 is disposed on and encircles stem 172. Bladder 180has a first end 182 and an opposing second end 184. A clamp 186 securelyfixes second end 184 of bladder 180 to second end 176 of stem 172 andforms a liquid tight seal therebetween. A clamp 188 is also disposed atfirst end 182 of bladder 180. Clamp 188, however, does not securely fixfirst end 182 of bladder 180 to stem 172. Rather, clamp 188 forms aliquid tight seal between first end 182 of bladder 180 and stem 172 butstill permits first end 182 of bladder 180 to slide along stem 172. Asneeded, a gasket or other type of seal can be disposed between bladder180 and stem 172 which assists in effecting the movable liquid tightseal. Bladder 180 is made of a resiliently expandable material.

A compartment 190 is formed between stem 172 and bladder 180 and issealed closed on opposing ends by clamps 186 and 188. One or moreopenings 192 pass through stem 172 and provide fluid communicationbetween channel 173 and compartment 190.

During use, a compression collar is slid over bladder 180 so as toencircle bladder between clamps 186 and 188. Hydraulic fluid is thenpumped by pump 178 into channel 173 of stem 172. The hydraulic fluidpasses through opening 192 and into compartment 190. As the pressure ofthe hydraulic fluid increases, bladder 180 radially outwardly expandscausing the compression collar to expand from the contracted state tothe expanded state. To accommodate for the expansion of bladder 180,first end 182 of bladder 180 slides toward second end 184 as bladder 180expands. In this assembly, the central portion of bladder 180, which isencircled by the compression collar, expands in a substantiallycylindrical configuration, thereby providing uniform expansion of thecompression collar. Once the compression collar has moved to theexpanded state, the pressure on the hydraulic fluid is released. Bladder180 then resiliently retracts to its unexpanded state and thecompression collar is removed for attachment. As a result of balder 180being flexible, the use of bladder 180 limits damage to the compressioncollar as the compression collar is expanded to the expanded state.

The inventive compression collars achieve a number of unique benefits.For example, because of the design and manufacturing process, thecompression collars have rounded corners and are void of sharps bothprior to and after attachment to tube 40 and tube fitting 42. As such,the compression collars provide minimal risk of damage to adjacentstructures, such as polymeric bag or tubes, even when folded together.As such, minimal or no special packaging may be required to be appliedaround the compression collars, thereby minimizing manufacturing timeand cost.

Furthermore, in contrast to traditional cable ties, the compressioncollar provides a uniform and constant compressive force entirely aroundthe tube fitting. As such, there is a less chance for leakage orcontamination passing between tube 40 and tube fitting 42, even whentube 40 is being moved. In addition, the compression collars provide asecure engagement between tube 40 and tube fitting 42, therebypreventing any unwanted or accidental separation or leaking between tube40 and tube fitting 42. This secure engagement can potentially befurther enhanced by the application of radiation to the compressioncollars after the compression collars have resiliently rebounded fromthe expanded state. Furthermore, in contrast to cable ties, thecompression collars are easy to attach and guarantee a more consistentcompressive force that is less subject to errors produced by thoseassembling the systems. In part, this is because the inventivecompression collars are wider than cable ties, thereby compressing tube40 over a longer length of tube fitting 42 which improves the sealedengagement. In addition, unlike cable ties which can relax theircompressive force over time, the compression collars will maintain theircompressive force over time. The compression collars can also provide ahigher compressive force than cable ties. The windows 26, 146, spacertabs 24, and/or stop lips 32 also provide unique advantages of bothensuring and being able to confirm that the coupled tube fitting 42 andtube 40 are properly positioned within the compression collars forproper compression and sealing therebetween. Other advantages alsoexist.

Although the compression collars depicted herein achieve functionalbenefits, they are also designed to have aesthetic attributes. Forexample, the compression collars are provide curved lines and symmetrythat provide a unique aesthetic appeal to the compression collars.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its spirit or essential characteristics. The describedembodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrativeand not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicatedby the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. Allchanges which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of theclaims are to be embraced within their scope.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for coupling a tube to a tube fitting,the method comprising: radially outwardly expanding a tubularcompression collar from a constricted state to an expanded state, thecompression collar having a throughway extending there through and beingcomprised of a resiliently flexible material; inserting an end of a tubewithin the throughway of the expanded compression collar, the tubebounding a passageway; inserting a tube fitting within the passageway ofthe tube either before or after inserting the end of the tube within thethroughway of the expanded compression collar; and allowing the tubularcompression collar to resiliently rebound back towards the constrictedstate so that the compression collar pushes the tube against the tubefitting.
 2. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the step ofradially outwardly expanding the tubular compression collar comprises:inserting the prongs of an expander into the throughway of the tubularcompression collar while in the constricted state; and radiallyoutwardly moving the prongs so as to expand the compression collar tothe expanded state.
 3. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein thestep of radially outwardly expanding the tubular compression collarcomprises: inserting a bladder within the throughway of the tubularcompression collar while in the constricted state; expanding the bladderso as to expand the compression collar to the expanded state.
 4. Themethod as recited in claim 1, wherein the step of radially outwardlyexpanding the tubular compression collar comprises advancing a rotatingmandrel within the throughway of the tubular compression collar so thatthe mandrel expands the compression collar to the expanded state.
 5. Themethod as recited in claim 1, wherein the tubular compression collarcomprises a tubular body having the throughway extending therethroughand a first stop lip radially inwardly projecting from the tubular body,wherein the step of inserting the end of the tube within the throughwayof the expanded compression collar comprises inserting the end of thetube into the throughway until the tube abuts the first stop lip.
 6. Themethod as recited in claim 1, wherein the tubular compression collarcomprises a tubular body having an interior surface and an opposingexterior surface that extend between a first end and an opposing secondend, the interior surface bounding the throughway extending through thetubular body, a first window extends laterally through the tubular bodybetween the interior surface and the exterior surface, the tube beingvisible through the window when the end of the tube is within thethroughway of the expanded compression collar.
 7. The method as recitedin claim 1, wherein the compression collar is radially outwardlyexpanded without concurrently radially outwardly expanding the tube. 8.The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the compression collarcomprises a tubular body having the throughway extending between a firstend and an opposing second end, a spacer tab outwardly projects from thefirst end of the tubular body, wherein the method further comprisespositioning the tube fitting so that a flange of the tube fitting buttsagainst a terminal end of the spacer tab.
 9. A tubular compressioncollar used for coupling a tube to a tube fitting, the tubularcompression collar comprising: a tubular body comprised of a resilientlyflexible material and having an interior surface and an opposingexterior surface that extend between a first end and an opposing secondend, the interior surface bounding a throughway extending through thetubular body; and a first window extending laterally through the tubularbody between the interior surface and the exterior surface.
 10. Thetubular compression collar as recited in claim 9, wherein the firstwindow is completely encircled by the tubular body.
 11. The tubularcompression collar as recited in claim 9, further comprising a secondwindow extending laterally through the tubular body between the interiorsurface and the exterior surface, the second window being spaced apartfrom the first window.
 12. A coupling assembly comprising: the tubularcompression collar as recited in claim 9, an end of a tube disposedwithin the throughway of the compression collar, the tube bounding apassageway; and a tube fitting disposed within the passageway of thetube, the compression collar radially inwardly compressing the tubeagainst the tube fitting so that a liquid tight seal is formed betweenthe tube and the tube fitting.
 13. The coupling assembly as recited inclaim 12, wherein the tube is visible through the first window.
 14. Atubular compression collar used for coupling a tube to a tube fitting,the tubular compression collar comprising: a tubular body comprised of aresiliently flexible material and having an interior surface and anopposing exterior surface that extend between a first end and anopposing second end, the interior surface bounding a throughwayextending through the tubular body; and a first compression rib radiallyinwardly projecting from the interior surface of the tubular body. 15.The tubular compression collar as recited in claim 14, wherein the firstcompression rib is annular and encircles the throughway.
 16. The tubularcompression collar as recited in claim 14, further comprising a secondcompression rib radially inwardly projecting from the interior surfaceof the tubular body, the second compression rib being spaced apart fromthe first compression rib.
 17. The tubular compression collar as recitedin claim 16, wherein the second compression rib is disposed at the samelocation along the length of the tubular body but is radially spacedapart from the first compression rib.
 18. The tubular compression collaras recited in claim 16, wherein the second compression rib is spacedapart from the first compression rib along the length of the tubularbody.
 19. A coupling assembly comprising: the tubular compression collaras recited in claim 14; an end of a tube disposed within the throughwayof the compression collar, the tube bounding a passageway; a tubefitting disposed within the passageway of the tube, the compressioncollar radially inwardly compressing the tube against the tube fittingso that a liquid tight seal is formed between the tube and the tubefitting, the first compression rib pressing against the tube.
 20. Atubular compression collar used for coupling a tube to a tube fitting,the tubular compression collar comprising: a tubular body comprised of aresiliently flexible material and having an interior surface and anopposing exterior surface that extend between a first end and anopposing second end, the interior surface bounding a throughwayextending through the tubular body; and a first spacer tab outwardlyprojecting from the first end of the tubular body.
 21. The tubularcompression collar as recited in claim 20, wherein the first spacer tabprojects longitudinally away from the tubular body.
 22. The tubularcompression collar as recited in claim 20, wherein the first end of thetubular body terminates at a terminal end face, the first spacer taboutwardly projecting from the terminal end face so as to extend parallelto a longitudinal axis of the tubular body.
 23. A coupling assemblycomprising: the tubular compression collar as recited in claim 20; anend of a tube disposed within the throughway of the compression collar,the tube bounding a passageway; a tube fitting having an outwardlyprojecting flange and an end disposed within the passageway of the tube,the compression collar radially inwardly compressing the tube againstthe tube fitting so that a liquid tight seal is formed between the tubeand the tube fitting.